D.C. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REACHES A CONSENT
AGREEMENT WITH GREATER SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

(Washington, D.C.) - Mr. James A. Buford, Director, Department of
Health (DOH) announced that a consent agreement has been finalized between
the Department of Health and Greater Southeast Community Hospital. The
agreement was signed today.

Under the agreement the hospital is required to correct deficiencies
and improve its quality of care and operational performance within 60 days
in order to retain its license.

"Our goal is to provide access to quality health care for
residents in SE Washington,"

said Mr. Buford. "We have worked collaboratively with the hospital
in developing this consent agreement and we believe this agreement will
bring us closer to that goal."

Staffing - Require a nursing staff that is no more than 80% agency
nurses to promote greater continuity of care.

Fire and Safety - Meet fire requirements specifically related to the
functioning of emergency generators as a second source of power for
hospital operations.

Performance Improvement - Develop and implement a performance
improvement program that will allow the hospital to timely identify
and address such concerns as infection control, medical record review,
nursing care and patient restraints.